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Scientists have discovered a whole new type of roar produced by African lions, <\/a>indicating the big cat\u2019s <\/a>communication could be more complex than commonly believed.<\/p>\n Researchers from the University of Exeter said the finding could transform wildlife monitoring<\/a> and conservation work.<\/p>\n Their study documented and classified an \u201cintermediary roar\u201d apart from the lion<\/a>\u2019s famous full-throated roar<\/a>.<\/p>\n The researchers were able to differentiate between the two roars for the first time using artificial intelligence. <\/p>\n \u201cLion roars are not just iconic, they are unique signatures that can be used to estimate population sizes and monitor individual animals,\u201d said Jonathan Growcot, a University of Exeter biologist who specialises in using modern technology for the conservation of large carnivores.<\/p>\n \u201cUntil now, identifying these roars relied heavily on expert judgment, introducing potential human bias,\u201d Dr Growcot, an author of the study published in the journal Ecology and Evolution, added.<\/p>\n The African lion is classified as vulnerable to extinction on the International Union for Conservation of Nature\u2019s Red List.<\/p>\n Africa is estimated to have 20,000 to 25,000 wild lions, with their number decreasing by half in the last 25 years.<\/p>\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/An-African-lion-(Panthera-leo)-gapes-as-it-sits-inside-its-enclosure-at-the-Chapultepec-Zoo-in-Mexic.jpeg\")
An African lion sits in inside its enclosure at the Chapultepec Zoo in Mexico City (AFP via Getty)<\/p>\n